Externally opening duct finishing machine



Jan. 15, 1963 G. w. BALZ 3,073,081

EXTERNALLY OPENING nuc'r FINISHING MACHINE Filed Feb. 21, 1962 s Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. GU/VTHER 14 BALZ WWW . ATTOR/Vf) Jan. 15, 1963 G. W. BALZ EXTERNALLY OPENING DUCT FINISHING MACHINE Filed Feb. 21, 1962 FIGURE 4 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIEBURE 5 INVENTOR. U/VTHE/P 14 BALZ ATTORNEY Jan. 15, 1963 G. w. BALZ EXTERNALLY OPENING DUCT FINISHING MACHINE Filed Feb. 21. 1962 3 Sheets-s 3 FIGURE 7 NToR. 6U/V77/EAJ W 54M ATTORNEY United States Patent Michigan Filed Feb. 21, 1962, Ser. No. 174,736

23 Claims. (Cl. 51-163) The present invention relates to finishing machines, and is more particularly concerned with a finishing machine having a construction which optionally allows trans-- fer of finishing media from a storage chamber thereof into the abrading chamber thereof or discharge of finishing media out of the machine.

Finishing machines may be of several different types. With regard to the mode of operation, there are available what are known as tumbling type machines and vibratory type machines, the latter being a finishing machine in which a vibration generating means, e.g., a rotary motor provided with eccentric members, is employed for imparting alternating waves of energy to an abrading chamber for moving a mass of finishing media and unfinished parts therein. If the part is suspended in the abrading chamber by an independently supported rack or fixture, the alternating waves of energy are imparted solely to the mass of finishing media. Such latter type machines are exemplified by those disclosed and claimed in my copending applications Serial No. 815,559, filed May 25, 1959, now abandoned, and Serial No. 174,836, filed February 21, 1962.

In addition, self-separating finishing machines are now available which employ integral foraminous members for automatically separating the finishing media from the finished parts upon rotation from an abrading position to a transfer position. When so rotated, the finishing media flows through openings in the foraminous mem her and is deposited in a storage chamber whereas the finished parts are discharged from the housing or transferred to a succeeding stage, depending upon whether the device is of single or multistage construction. Such devices are exemplified by those disclosed and claimed in my copending applications Serial No. 102,018, filed April 10, 1961, Serial No. 142,701, filed October 3, 1961, Serial No. 142,708, filed October 3, 1961.

For convenience of operation, one or more ducts may be employed for transferring the finishing media from the storage chamber to the abrading chamber when the housing is rotated back to the abrading position. Although a duct is not an essential item of most finishing machines, one or more are generally preferred since they decrease the time necessary for transfer of finishing media from the storage chamber to the abrading chamber. If no duct isprovided for return of finishing media to the abrading chamber, the media must fiow back through the foraminous member. Still less conveniently, the finishing media may be discharged from the housing into a container and redeposited into the abrading chamber through an inlet opening. Thus, the incorporation of ducts into self-separating finishing machines has proved highly satisfactory, since the ducts decrease the overall work cycle of the machine by allowing rapid return of finishing media from the storage chamber to the abrading chamber.

When the same or different type parts are to be finished, it is sometimes necessary or desirable that different sizes or types of finishing media be employed. Moreover, it is periodically necessary to replace spent finishing material. With some existing vibratory finishing machines, to discharge media, it is necessary to rotate the housing or abrading chamber in such a direction as to dump the finishing media therefrom. In certain self-separating finishing machines, a recloseable opening is provided in the storage chamber through which the finishing media may be discharged by appropriate rotation of the homeing. Although satsifactory, the down-time involved in changing the finishing media in self-separating finishing machines reduces the utility factor thereof since the container must be placed below the housing, the housing must be rotated slowly in order to discharge the finishing media into the container, and the filled container must be removed from below the housing and the opening reclosed before the finishing machine can be operated. It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a finishing machine which is capable of discharging finishing media rapidly when desired especially to the front of the machine where the operator will preferably be located.

It would moreover be desirable to provide a finishing machine from which finishing media may be quickly discharged without encountering the problems associated with unloading of finishing media from existing'machines, or returned to the abrading chamber thereof, at the option of the operator.

It would also be desirable to'provide a finishing machine capable of separating finishing media from more than one size parts, classifying the parts being discharged from the machine, and alternatively transferring the finishing media back to the abrading chamber or out of the machine in a simple and facile manner as desired by the opeartor.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved finishing machine which overcomes the stated disadvantages of existing machines. 7

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved finishing machine from which finishing media may be quickly discharged.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a finishing machine embodying means for the controlled discharge of finishing media and/0r finished parts.

A further object is to provide a finishing machine which allows reduction in time loss occasioned when finishing media therein must be removed or replaced.

It is a further object to provide an improved finishing machine from which finishing media may be conveniently discharged into bags or other suitable storage containers.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a finishing machine capable of separating finishing media from a plurality of different size parts and classifying the parts as they are discharged from the machine.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide an improved finishing machine employing a duct and drain arrangement for preventing fiuid carried by the finishing media or othrwise present in the storage chamger from being discharged from the end of the discharge uct.

Additional objects and advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art and still other advantages will become apparent hereinafter. To the accomplishment of the foregoing andrelated ends, the present invention then comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, being indicative, however, of but several of the ways in which the principles of'the invention may be employed.

Broadly, the present invention comprises a finishing machine provided with a resiliently supported housing for precision finishing of unfinished parts by controlled vibrations. The part or parts are either deposited or suspended in an abrading chamber of the housing containingfinishing media. The housing is also provided with a storage chamber integrally secured to the abrading chamber, and both chambers are rotatable as a unit from an abrading position to a transfer position for transferring finishing 3 media from one chamber to the other. A vibratory motor is associated with the abrading chamber for imparting alternating waves of energy thereto for moving the mass of finishing media and unfinished parts therein for finishing the surfaces of the parts. In self-separating finishing machines, a forarninous member provided with one section or several sections containing different meshes is interposed between the abrading chamber and the storage chamber for separating one or more sizes of finished parts from finishing media. When the'chambers are rotated to to the transfer position, the finished parts are discharged fromthe machine and the finishing media is transferred into the storage chamber. The storage chamber is preferably properly oriented with respect to' the abrading chamber sothat the finishing media in the storage chamher will remain in static equilibrium when the chambers are rotated back to the abrading position, or means may in some cases be provided for prevention of its untimely return to the abrading chamber. The vibrations of the motor are employedfor imparting motion to the finishing media for effecting its return to the abrading chamber.

One or more ducts are employed for transferring the finishing media from :the storage chamber to the abrading chamber of the device. Depending on the type of finish desired .or part or parts being finished, the finishing media may be redeposited in the abrading chamber before or after the parts are disposed therein. A directional member such as a pivotal door is disposed in each duct for directing the finishing media into the abrading chamber or outside of the housing, as desired. Consequently, the finishing media maybe quickly transferred from the storage chamber into the abrading chamber or out of the housing and into storage bags or containers depending upon the setting of the directional member in the duct by merely energizing the vibratory motor, which imparts alternating waves of energy to'the housing and to the finishing media in thestorage chamber. These vibrations move and shake cal frame members 15, 16 (not shown), 17 and 18 are welded at their respective end portions to base plate 12 and rails 13 and 14. More specifically, the lower portions of frame members 15 and 16 are welded to rail 13 and frame members 17 and 18 are welded to rail 14. Two additional vertical frame members 20 and 21 are welded at their lower end portions respectively to rails 13 and 14 and to base plate 12 for supporting part of the rotary mechanism 40.

For purposes of supporting the housing on the frame, lower cross members 23 and 24 are welded to the upper ends of vertical frame members 15 and 17, and 16 and 13, respectively. To support a portion of the rotary mechanism 40, cross member 25 is welded to the top portions of vertical frame members 20 and 21. Each of the vertical 7 frame members and cross members comprise a pair of the finishing media'from the storage chamber through the ducts, and into the abrading chamber or out of the housing of the finishing machine, as desired.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings in which all the parts are numbered, the same numbers are used to refer to corresponding parts throughout and in which:

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a finishing machine embodying the present invention;

7 FIGURE 2 is a vertical section taken :on line II-II of FIGURE 1 to show in detail the construction of the storage and abrading chambers in the housing while in the abrading position;

, FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal section taken on line IIIIII of FIGURE 2 showing a portion of the housing and one of the ducts employed for transferring finishing media from the storage chamber into the abrading chamber or out of the housing;

- FIGURE 4 is a vertical-'sectiontakenon line IV-IV of FIGURE 3 to show the door arrangement;

showing stillanother embodiment of the'invention with the housing'in' the discharge position.

. Referring now particularly to FIGURE 1', there is illustrated a finishing machine, generally indicated at 10. A housing60 is journaled on a frame 11 for'angular rotation about a substantially horizontal axis. To rotate the housing 60 from one position to another, a rotary mechanism, generally designated at 40, is carried by frame 11.

Considering first frame 11, the stationary portion there- 'of comprises a base plate 12. mounted on a supporting surface and provided with a pair of I-bearns of rails 13 and 14 welded thereto in spaced parallel relationship. Verti channel iron beams Welded together. The securing together of the base plate 12, the rails 13 and 14, vertical framermembers 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21, and the cross members 23, 24 and 25 by welding or other suitable means completes the stationary portion of frame 11.

As shown in FIGURE 1, a plurality of coiled helical springs 26 are employed for isolating the orbital vibra tions of the housing 68 from the frame 11. The springs 26 are suitably disposed between lower cross.member 23 and upper cross member 27, and between lower cross member 2 4 and upper cross member 28. Suitable cup shaped members 29'are secured to the top sides of the lower cross members 23 and 24 and to the bottom sides of upper cross members 27 and 23 for supporting the coiled helical springs 26. Various other types of resilient members may be employed. In the illustrated arrangement, the housing is resiliently supported by a plurality of coiled helical springs and thereby supported for substantial free movement in space.

For rotatably supporting the housing 60', as illustrated in FIGURE 1, a pair of spindles 30 or shaft ends are secured to the housing 6t]. Gussets 32 are suitably secured to end plates 35 of the housing and to the spindles for stiifening the angle therebetween. Spindles 30 are journaled in bearings 33 which are suitably mounted to upper cross members 27 and 28.

Considering in more detail the rotary mechanism, generally designated M40 in FIGURE 1, it comprises suitable means for rotating the housing, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 41. The connections to the cylinder 41 are not shown since they are conventional. The lower end of cylinder 41 is appropriately secured to the inside of vertical frame member 20. Extending from the upper end of the cylinder is a piston rod 45 having its outer end secured to a lug 46 which is pivotally secured to one end of crank arm 47 by pin 48. The other end of the crank arm is rigidly secured to shaft 49 by means of key 50. Shaft 49 is journaled in a pair of bearings 51 and 52 which are mounted in spaced parallel relationship on the top of cross member 25. A slot 53 is provided in cross member 25 intermediate bearings 51 and 52 and the crank arm 47 disposed in slot 53 may freely rotate through an angle therein. A flexible coupling 39 connects spindle 30 to shaft 49 in order to isolate the vibrations of the housing from the rotary mechanism 40.

The cylinder 41'for angularly rotating the housing 60 from an abrading position to a discharge position may be energized by an electrical control panel which is not shown since it is conventional, or the cylinder maybe operated manually. When the, cylinder 41 is energized, piston rod 45 is forced outwardly and rotates crank arm 47 which rotates shaft 49, coupling 39, and spindle 3t}, thereby rotating the housing from one position to another. The cylinder is operated in reverse for rotating the housing back to its original position.

motor 56, is fixedly secured to the housing 69 by means 'of a motor mounting bracket 57 and suitable bolts andv nuts. The connections to the vibratory motor 56 are not shown since they are conventional. The motor may comprise any power means including an-electric as well as a fluid motor. The motor may be of the rotatory type, the vibratory type, the hydraulic or pneumatic type, or a prime mover. If the motor is of the rotatory type, conventional eccentric weights are mounted on the shaft for generating orbital vibrations which are imparted to housing 6%. Greatest efficiency of the orbital vibrations is achieved by disposing the vibratory motor 56 with respect to the housing so each alternating Wave of energy moves the mass of finishing media therein in a substantially orbital motion normal to the rotatable axis of the housing 69 or to a longitudinal axis thereof. Satisfactory orbital vibrations are imparted to the housing so long as a major component of each alternating wave of energy is normal to the longitudinal axis thereof.

By imparting orbital vibrations to the housing, the mass of finishing media and unfinished parts in an abrading chamber of thehousing 69 moves in an orbital motion from the front to the rear thereof or vice versa. These orbital vibrations or alternating waves of energy substantially increase the action between the finishing media and the surface of the parts to be finished, and are much more effective than if the finishing material or media and parts were merely tumbled. Moreover, as will be further discussed, in accord with one form of the invention these vibrations are also employed for moving or shaking finishing media out of the housing.

Preferably and as illustrated in FIGURE 2 of the drawings, the housing 6 comprises an abrading chamber 61 and a storage chamber 71 partially opposed thereto. The abrading chamber 61 is defined by a semicylindrical bottom 62, portions of end plates 35, and lower forward and rear walls 63 and 64 which are extensions of the semicylindrical bottom 62. The end plates 35 are secured to the sides of semicylindrical bottom 62 and walls 63 and 64 by welding or the like.

The storage chamber 71 is defined by a semicylindrical top '72, portions of end plates 35, and upper forward and rear walls 73 and 74 which are extensions of the semicylindrical top 72. The sides of the semicylindrical top 72 and walls 73 and74 are also secured by welding or the like to the end plates. An opening 75 having a detachable cover plate 76 secured thereover is provided in the central portion of the semicylindrical top 72.. A screen 77 is disposed in the cover plate 76 for removing fines, scraps, burrs, or the like from the finishing media by selective passage therethrough when the housing is rotated to the transfer position. If the finishing media and parts are used in conjunction with a fluid, then the fluid also drains through the apertures in the screen when the housing is rotated to the transfer position.

For separating finished parts from finishing media, a foraminous member 65 is disposed in the housing 60 between the abrading chamber 61 and the storage chamber 71. As seen in FiGURE 2, the foraminous member 65 may be secured to frame 66 by suitable means. The term foraminous member as used herein denotes a member having openings or perforations for classification of parts and finishing media, for example, a grate or screen of any type, illustratively having wires or rods either parallel or at an angle to each other, whether or not reticulated. End portion 66a of frame 66 is inclined with respect to the major plane of the fo-raminous member so as to lock the frame in place. The other end portion 66b of the frame 66 is provided with a plurality of lugs 67, while upper forward wall. 73 is provided with a plurality of openings properly aligned for receiving thelugs 67. Suitable nuts 68 are threaded on the lugs for securing the frame 66 to the housing. The foraminous member 65 mounted in the frame 66 may be conveniently removed from the housing 60 by merely removing the nuts 68, unlocking end portion 66a, and urging the frame towardthe rear of the housing, thus removing the lugs 67 from the openings. When the housing 60 is in the parts discharge position, the parts move down the foraminous member 65 toward a discharge chute 59 and out of the housing.

As shown in FIGURE 2, a resilient member 70 is detachably mounted by appropriate nuts and bolts to a horizontal bar 36 suitably secured to end plates 35 below the discharge chute 59. The resilient member 70 partially restricts the discharge opening and prevents the finished pants from suddenly surging out of the discharge chute 59 when the housing 60 is rotated to the discharge position. The alternating waves of energy imparted to the parts on the foraminous member 65 motivate the parts and urge them against the resilient member and flex the resilient member sufficiently to allow passage thereof through the discharge opening.

For purposes of controlling the flow of finishing media and finished paits toward the foraminous member when the housing is rotated to the discharge or transfer position, an adjustable bafiie 69 (see FIGURE 2) is secured to the distal end of Wall 64 for varying the space between the foraminous member and the rear wall 64.

The adjustable baffle 69 is secured to the rear wall 64 by suitable nuts and bolts inserted in elongated slots.

One or more ducts 36 are mounted on opposite sides of the housing 60 for transferring finishing media from the storage chamber 61 to the abrading chamber 71 or out of the housing (see FIGURE 1). Although two ducts are disclosed in the drawings, only one duct is necessary according to the present invention. As best seen in FIGURE 2, each duct 86 comprises a bottom wall 81 coplanar to the upper rear wall 74 of the storage chamher 71, and a top wall 82 in spaced parallel relationship to the lower wall 81. Both bottom and top walls 81 and 82 extend laterally from end plates 35 and are suitably secured thereto by welding or the like. An outer wall 34 is secured to each ofthe bottom and top walls 81 and S2 at their junctures for completing the duct 80. End 84a of each outer Wall 84 is inclined toward the end plate 35 for enclosing one end of each duct.

In order to direct the finishing material into the ducts 80 when the housing 6i] is rotated from the parts discharge position to the'abrading position, inclined risers 9d? are disposed in the storage chamber 71. The risers 9% are secured together at their juncture 92 to form a wedge for directing the finishing media toward openings in the ducts. In other words, as viewed in FIGURES 2 and 3 of the drawings, the lower edge 90a of each riser 96, is secured to the inner surface of upper rear wall 74, the lower forward edge 9% is disposed in the center of the upper rear wall 74, and the lower rear edge 90c is disposed in the corner formed by the joining of rear Wall 74 and a portion of end plate 35. A one-way-baffie 94 is interposed between the storage chamber 71 and the forarninous member 65 for preventing the finishing media from flowing back through the openings in the foraminous member. The upper edge 90d of each riser 50 is suitably secured to baffle 94.

As illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, end plates 35 are provided with openings 83 and 93 which communicate with each of ducts 80. When the housing 60 is rotated to the discharge position, that is, a position slightly more than ninety degrees counter-clockwise from that shown in FIGURE 2 of the drawings, finishing media is transferred to the storage chamber and parts are discharged from the housing. As the housing is rotated back to the abrading position (same as shown in FlGURE 2),

the mass of finishing media remains in static equilibrium in the storage chamber and ducts since the coefiicient of friction between the mass of finishing media and the rear wall 74 is suflicient to overcome the force of gravity. By energizing the vibratory motor 56, the alternating waves of energy or vibrations imparted to the housing and to the upper rear wall 74 shake the finishing media 'into openings 83, through between.

93, and into the abrading chamber 61.

In a preferred form of the inventioma directional, e.g., pivotal, member such as door or damper 85 (see FIG- URES 3 and 4) is mounted in each of ducts 81 for dirooting or deflecting finishing media into abrading chamber 61 through openings 93 or for permitting the finishing media to flow down the-anterior portion of the duct 80 V and out of thehousing 60. Pivotal member 85 is suitably secured to a. shaft 86 which is mounted in lower and upper walls 81 and 82 of each ducthtl. Suitable washers and cotter pins prevent longitudinal motion of the shaft in each duct. An arcuate slot 87 is inserted in upper wall 82 of each of ducts 80 andreceives a lug 88 secured toone end of pivotal member 85. When lug 88 is in discharge position A, the finishing media flows through the duct and outside the housing, but when lug 88 is in return position B, the finishing media is deflected by pivotal member 85, directed through opening 93, and deposited into abrading chamber 61.

From the above description and particularly from FIG URE l of'the drawings, it is apparent that, if it is desired to remove or change the'finishing media in the housing, it is merely necessary to secure lug 88 in position A and energize vibratory motor 56 once the housing is rotated back to the abrading position. In this manner, vibratory motor56 shakes finshingmedia from the storage chamber71 into the ducts 80 and out of housing 60 into containers located at the anterior openings of ducts 80. After the finished media has been transferred out of housing 6%, fresh media or a different type of finishing media may be deposited intolabrading chamber 61.

As illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3, outer wall 84 of each of ducts 80 is provided with an inspection opening 95-which is sealed by a cover plate 6 and gasket 97 there- The cover plate 96 is secured to each of ducts 80 by suitable nuts and bolts and may be easily removed for inspecting the interior thereof.

Frequently the finishing media and unfinished parts are wetted with chemical reagents for increasing the action between finishing media and parts or for improving the luster and finish of the parts. Such liquids may be poured into the abrading chamber 61 from suitable containers 'or provided therein by a conventional not shown fluid abrading chamber 61, at the beginning of each cycle by means of a fluid pump. Prior to rotating housing 69 to the discharge position, a drain valve provided in the bottom of the abrading chamber may be opened to empty fluid from the abrading chamber, allowing the fluid to flow by gravity down a drain and into a storage tank, where it may be filtered and pumped back into .the abrading chamber 61 if desired.

When liquid chemicals reagents are employed, residual fluid 'continuesto drain from the finishing media during the transfer of finishing media to storage chamber 71 and its return to abrading chamber 61. While the finishing media is in the storage chamber, the fluid drains through the screen 77 and may be collected in an appropriate container-suitably located with respect to said screen.

As finishing media is being returned to the abrading chamber 61, it is desirable that means he provided for "preventing residual fluid from flowing to the end of the duct and out of the housing in front of the machine.

when door 85 is in position B, because of space 8 (see FIGURE 4) between bottom of door 85 and bottom wall .81rof duct 86. To this end, a portion of bottom wall 81 below door 85 is provided with a plurality of perfora- Vtions 98'(see FIGURE for passage of fluid flowing ducts 80, through openings ea down duct 80., A drain chamber 99 is disposed below perforations 98 for directing the fluid through slot 99a in end plate 35 of the housing and into the abrading chamber 61. Regardless of whether finishing media is being returned to abrading chamber 61 or discharged from the housing 60, fluid which drains therefrom in the duct is thereby directed into the abrading chamber 61 instead of dripping from the anterior portion of the duct 80. Netting of the supporting surfaces in front of the duct openings is thereby avoided.

When the parts to be finished are sutliciently large, they cannot be deposited into the abrading chamber of the finishing machine and commingled with finishing media. In such case, as illustrated in FIGURE 6, the finishing machine is provided with a rack 159 which is usually mounted to the housing. One or more parts to be finished are secured to the rack and suspended in the abrading chamber 161. To facilitate suspension of the part in the abrading chamber, finishing media is preferably removed to avoid interference with proper location of the part and mounting of the rack. Moreover, after the part or parts have the desired'finish, it is preferable to vibrate the part to remove finishing media from the cavities of the part after the housing 160 is in the discharge or transfer position for transferring the finishing media from abrading chamber 161 to storage chamber 171.

In such case, for transfer of finishing media back to the abrading chamber or for discharge of finishing media out of housing 169, ducts of a construction similar to the ducts shown in FIGURES 1 through 5 are employed. Ducts 189 are secured to end plates 135' of hous ing 160 for directing finishing media from storage chamber 171 into abrading chamber 161 or out of housing 160. Thus, finishing media may be rapidly returned to abrading chamber 161.0r discharged from housing 160 and fresh media or another type of media deposited in abrading chamber 161. Lower rear wall 164 which extends partially into storage chamber 171 and inclined distal end 164a act as a baflle for preventing finishing media from flowing directly into the abrading chamber without first being directed into ducts 180. Risers are also mounted in a storage chamber 171 for directing finishing media into openings 183 communicating with the ducts. This embodiment enables the operator to conveniently alter the type of finishing media in the housing 160 while one or more parts are suspended in abrading chamber 161.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 7, housing 269 has the same duct arrangement as shown in FIGURES 1 through 5. The housing 260, however, is provided with a foraminous member 265 containing two difierent meshes. More specifically, the foraminous area 2651; disposed over storage chamber 271, i.e., the chamber bounded by upper forward and rear walls 273 and 274 respectively and end plates 235, is provided with a mesh which will separate the parts from the finishing media,

assuming that the chips or particles of finishing media are smaller than the parts. both large and small sizes, remain on foraminous area 265a when the housing is in the discharge position, which is the position shown in FIGURE 7 of the drawings. As the parts are urged down foraminous member 265, the smaller parts pass through the openings in foraminous area 265b and are discharged through discharge chute 258, while larger parts which will not pass through foraminous area 265!) remain on foraminous member 265 and are discharged through discharge chute 259.

It is apparent from the above description that the finishing machine, disclosed in FIGURE 7 of the draw ings, not only separates finishing media from parts but also classifies the parts being discharged from the hous ing 260. The housing 260 may be provided with a foraminousmember 265 having as many different size I meshes as sizes of parts to be classified. After the hous ing 260 is rotated back to the abrading position, the finishing media remains in static equilibrium in the stor- The parts, which may be of age chamber 271 until the vibratory motor 256 is energized. At such time, the finishing media is directed by risers 299 into openings 283 in end plates 235, through ducts 280 and, depending upon the position of the door (not shown in FIGURE 7), the finishing media is de flected into abrading chamber 261 through openings 293 or discharged out of housing 260.

In operation, the abrading chamber is charged with finishing media and unfinished parts and the vibratory motor is energized for imparting alternating wavesof energy or vibrations to the housing for moving the mass of finishing media and unfinished parts therein, preferably in a substantially orbital motion. When the surface of the parts has the desired finish, the housing is rotated through an angle of slightly more than ninety degrees. The mass of finishing media and unfinished parts flows down the rear wall of the abrading chamber toward the foraminous member. The finishing media passes through the foraminous member and is deposited in the storage chamber and the finished parts move along the foraminous member and out of the housing. If the parts are of more than one size, a foraminous member containing as many sections with appropriate size meshes as there are different size parts may be employed for classifying the parts as they are discharged from the housing. After the parts are discharged from the housing and the finishing media transferred into the storage chamber, the housing is rotated back to the-abrading position and charged with another batch of unfinished parts. Depending upon the finishing operation, the vibratory motor may be energized to transfer the finishing media from the storage chamber into the abrading chamber, or the door in the duct may be repositioned to direct the finishing media out of the housing. With such an arrangement, the finishing media may be quickly transferred out of the housing and new or different type of finishing media deposited in the abrading chamber for finishing the surface of another batch of parts. Alternatively the finishing media may be transferred back into the abrading chamber for finishing the surface of another batch of similar parts. If the finishing media and unfinished parts are mixed with fluid in the abrading chamber, a conventional fluid pumping system is operatively connected to the housing for pumping and draining the fluid into and out of the abrading chamber. A drain as described is associated with the ducts for preventing fluid which drains from the finishing media from being deposited in front of the machine as the finishing media is being transferred back into the abrading chamber or out of the housing by means of the ducts.

If the unfinished part or parts are initially mounted to a rack and suspended in the abrading chamber, the part or parts are preferably removed therefrom after the housing is rotated back to the abrading position and While most or all of the finishing media is still in static equilibrium in the storage chamber. After another part is suspended in the abrading chamber, the finishing media may be redeposited in the abrading chamber, or else the finishing media may be transferred out of the housing and new or another type of finishing media deposited in the abrading chamber for finishing the surface of the unfinished parts.

It is to be understood that one or more ducts may be employed with only one housing or with a plurality of housings secured together to form a multi-stage selfseparating finishing machine, as illustrated in my copend ing application Serial No. 142,708, filed October 3, 1961. In such arrangements, one duct is preferably employed with each stage or housing of the finishing machine for redeposit of finishing media into the abrading chamber of the same section or alternatively for discharge of finish- 19 of the series, and the secondstage communicates with the third stage, et cetera. One or more discharge chutes communicate with the last stage of the series for discharging parts from the machine. In any embodiment, it is immaterial whether the duct be located outside the side wall of the abrading compartment of the machine housing, as shown, or inside said compartment or housing wall, although the outside location as shown herein has proved relatively more convenient.

It is thus seen that a novel finishing machine has been provided wherein finishing media may be rapidly transferred from the storage chamber to the abrading chamber or alternatively out of the machine, and whereby all of the additional objects of the invention may be accomplished.

It is to be understood that the term finishing media is used generally to designate materials used to impart all types of finishes including those finishes acquired with abrading material as well as with polishing material and that polishing is as usual one species of finishing.

7 It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. It is therefore desired and intended that the several embodiments herein specifically set forth be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and drawings to indicate the scope of the invention, which is to be understood as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of an unfinished part comprising an abrading chamber provided with an opening adapted'to receive finishing media and the unfinished part, a storage chamber communicating with said abrading chamber for receiving finishing media from said abrading chamber when in a transfer position, said abrading chamber and said storage chamber being rotatable as a unit from an abrading position to the transfer position, transfer means communicating with said storage chamber for directing finishing media out of said machine, and vibratory means for imparting alternating waves of energy to said abrading chamber when in the abrading position for moving finishing media therein for finishing the surface of the unfinished part.

2. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of unfinished parts comprising an abrading chamber provided with an opening adapted to receive finishing media and unfinished parts, a storage chamber communicating with said abrading chamber for receiving finishing media from said abrading chamber when in a transfer position, said abrading chamber and said storage chamber being rotatable as a unit from an abrading position to the transfer position, transfer means communicating with said storage chamber for directing finishing media out of said machine when in an abrading position, directional means associated ing media from the machine. The end of the foraminous with said transfer means for alternatively directing finishing media into said abrading chamber, and vibratory means for imparting alternating waves of energy to said abrading chamber when in the abrading position for moving finishing media therein for finishing the surface of the unfinished parts.

3. The machine of claim 2, wherein said transfer means is a duct and wherein said directional means for alternative transfer of finishing media comprises a damper member pivotally mounted in said duct.

4. The machine of claim 3, wherein a foraminous member is disposed between said abrading chamber and said storage chamber for separating parts from finishing media when said chambers are in the transfer position.

5. A finishing machine comprising a housing resiliently mounted and rotatable from an abrading position to a transfer position, an abrading chamber in said housing provided with an opening adapted to receive finishing media and unfinished parts, a storage chamber in said housing provided with an opening adapted to receive finishing media from said abrading chamber when said housing is rotated to the transfer position, a foraminous member disposed in said: housing for separating finishing media from parts when said housing is rotated to the transfer position, a duct connected to said storage chamher for receiving finishing media therefrom, means disposed in said duct for deflecting finishing media into said abrading chamber when said means is in one position and for directing said finishing media out of said housing when said means is in another position, vibratory means for imparting alternating waves of'energy to said housing for moving the finishing media and unfinished parts for finishing of the parts therein, and means for rotating said housing from the abrading position to the transfer position.

6. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of an unfinished part comprising a housing resiliently mounted for substantial free movement in space, an abrading chamher in said housing provided with an opening adapted to receive finishing media and the unfinished part, a vibratory motor mounted to said housing for imparting alternating waves of energy to the finishing media and the unfinished part therein, and means for transferring the finishing media into and out of said abrading chamber or for transferring the finishing media out of said housing by rotation thereof from one position to another.

7. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of an unfinished part by vibration together with a finishing medium comprising a housing resiliently mounted for substantial free movement in space, an abrading chamber in said housing for receiving the unfinished part and finishing medium, a storage chamber for receiving finishing medium fromsaid abrading chamber, means for transferring finishing medium from said storage chamber to said abrading chamber, and means operatively associated with said above mentioned means for optionally directing finishing 7 medium out of said machine.

8. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of nnfinished parts by vibration with finishing media comprising a rotatable housing resiliently supported for substantial free movement in space, an abrading chamber in said housing for receiving the unfinished parts and finishing media, a storage chamber in said housing adapted to re- .ceive finishing media from said abrading chamber when said housing is'rotated to a transfer position, a foraminous member disposed in said housing for separating finishing media from the parts, means forimpartirig alternating waves of energy to said housing for moving the finishing media and unfinished 'partsin a substantially orbital motion, means for rotating said housing from an abrading position to the transfer position and return, and means alternatively operative for transfer of finishing media from.

said storage chamber into said abrading chamber or out i of saidhousing upon return from the transfer position to the abrading position.

9. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of un- I storage. chamber in saidhousing for receiving finishing.

media from said abrading chamber, a second foraminous member disposed in said housing for classifying the parts, vibratory means for imparting alternating waves of energy to said housing for moving the finishing media and unfinished parts for finishing of said parts therein, and means for transferring the finishing media out of said storage chamber and into said abrading chamber or out of said housing.

10. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of unfinished parts by vibration with finishing media com i2? prising a housing resiliently supported for substantial free movement in space, means for rotating said housing from an abrading position to a transfer position, an abrading chamber in said housing for receiving unfinished parts a and finishing media, a first foraminous member disposed in said housing for separating finishing media from parts when said housing is rotated to the transfer position, a storage chamber in said housing for receiving finishing media from said abrading chamber, a second foraminous member disposed in said housing for classifying the parts, and vibratory means for imparting alternating waves of energy to said housing for moving the finishing media and unfinished parts for finishing of the parts therein.

11. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of an unfinished part by vibration with finishing media comig a housing resiliently mounted for substantial free movement in space, an abrading chamber in said housing for receiving the unfinished part and finishing media, means for transferring finishing meda into and out of said abrading chamber, and a drain chamber associated with said above mentioned means for directing fluid draining from the finishing media into the abrading chamber instead of out of the housing.

12. A finishing machine comprising a housing resiliently mounted for substantial free movement in space, an abrading chamber in said housing provided with an opening adapted to receive'finishing media and an unfinished part, a storage chamber in said housing for receiving finishing media from said abrading chamber when said housing is rotatedto a transfer position, a duct connecting said storage chamber to said abrading chamber for returning finishing media to said abrading chamber, means disposed in said duct for directing the finishing media out of said housing or into said abrading chamber, vibratory means for imparting alternating waves of energy to said housing, and means for rotating said housing between an abrading position and the transfer position.

13. In a finishing machine for finishing the surface of an unfinished part by vibration with finishing media, the combination of a housing resiliently supported for substantial free movement in space and provided with an opening for receiving the unfinished part and the finishing media, means for rotating said housing from an abrading position to a transfer position for separating the finishing media from the part, and means for transferring the finishing media from the top of said housing to the bottom of said housing or for transferring the-finishing media out of said housing.

14. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of an,

unfinished part by vibration with finishing media, comprising a housing resiliently mounted for substantial free movement in space, said housing provided with an opening for receiving the unfinished part and the finishing media, means for rotating said housing from an abrading position to a transfer position for separating the finishing media from the part, a duct for transferring finishing media from the top of said housing to the bottom of said housing, means disposed in said duct for directing the finishing media out of said housing, and a drain chamber in juxtaposition to said last mentioned means for directing fiuid draining from said finishing media into said housing.

15. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of unfinished parts by vibration with finishing media comprisinga housing mounted for rotation about a substan tially. horizontal axis and resiliently supported for substantial free movement in space, means for rotating said housing from an abrading position to a transfer position, means for imparting vibration to said housing, an abrading chamber in said housing provided with an opening for receiving unfinished parts and finishing media, a storage chamber in said housing adapted to receive finishing media from said abrading chamber when said housing is rotated to the transfer position, a foraminous member disposed said housing for separating finishing media from parts, means for discharging the parts from said housing when in the transfer position, and a resilient member associated with said last mentioned means whereby the parts are retarded from discharging from said machine until motivated by the vibrations imparted to said housing and to the parts.

16. The machine of claim 15, wherein a duct is connected to said storage chamber for directing finishing media out of said housing.

17. The machine of claim 16, wherein means is disposed in said duct for deflecting finishing media intosaid abrading chamber when in a first position and out of said housing when in a second position.

18. The machine of claim 17, wherein a drain chamber is associated with said duct for directing fluid draining from said finishingmedia insaid duct into said housing.

19 A finishing machine for finishing the surface, of an unfinished part comprising a frame, a housing mounted on said frame, resilient means' interposed between said housing and said frame for isolating vibrations imparted to said housing, ,an abrading chamber in said housing provided with an opening, adapted to receive finishing media and the unfinished part, means for transferring finishing media out of said abrading chamber, said lastmentioned means comprising a duct, a portion of said duct being providedwith a plurality of perforations for receiving: fluid flowing down said duct, a drain chamber below said perforations for directing the fluid into said abrading chamber, and vibratory means for imparting vibrations to said housing. V

20. The machine of claim 19, wherein a directional member is movably disposedin said ductfor directing the finishing media back into said abrading chamber.

21. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of an unfinished part comprising a frame, a housing mounted on said frame, resilient means interposed between said housing and said frame for isolating vibrators imparted to said housing, an abrading chamber in said housing provided with an opening adapted to receive finishing media and'the unfinished part, means for transferring finishing media out of said-abradingchamber, and out of said'housing, means associated with said last mentioned means for directing fluid which drains from the finishing media during transfer out of said housing back into said'abrading chamber, and vibratory means for impartingorbital vibrations to said housing.

122. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of an unfinished part comprising a frame, a housing mounted on said frame, resilient means interposed between said housing and said frame for isolating vibrations 1mparted to said housing, an ,abrading' chamber in said housing provided with an opening adapted to receive 14- finishing media and the unfinished part, a foraminous member disposed in said housing for separating finishing media from parts, means for transferring finishing.

said perforations for directing the fluid into said abrad- 1 ing chamber, and vibratory means for imparting vibrations to said housing.

' ,23. A finishing machine for finishing. the surface of an unfinished part comprising a frame, a housing mounted onsaid frame, resilient means interposed between said housing and said frame for isolating vibrations imparted to said housing, an abrading chamber in said housing provided with an opening adapted to receive finishing media and the unfinished part, a foraminous member disposed in said housing provided with a first mesh for separating finishing media from parts and with a second mesh for classifying the parts being discharged from said machine, means for transferring finishing media out of said abrading chamber, said last-mentioned means comprising a duct, a portion of said duct being providedwith a plurality of perforations for receiving fluid flowing down said duct, a drain chamber below said perforations for directing the fluid into said abrading chamber, and vibratory means for imparting vibrations to said housing.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNTTED STATES PATENTS 228,803 Benson June15, 1880 965,813 Greist July 26, 1910 1,048,026 Bates et al. Dec. 24, 1912 2,113,227 Ransohofi' May 24, 1938 2,138,550 MacLellan Nov. 29, 1938 2,143,610 Muller Jan. 10, 1939 2,290,036 Davis July 14,1942 2,319,391 Davis May 18,1943 2,332,701 Dowsett Oct.. 26,1943: 2,359,944 Schummer Och-'10, 1944 2,519,060 Manley Aug. 15, 1950 2,739,427v Ransohoff Mar. 27, 1956 2,831,576 Wehner Apr-.22, 1958 2,843,979 Lupo July 22, 1958 2,918,926 Behnke i Dec. 29, 1959 2,933,861 i Bintzler' ,l Apr. 26, 1960 2,973,606 Bran'dt Mar. 7, 1961 2,997,813 Brandt Aug. 29, 1961 2,997,814 I Brandt Aug 29, 1961 

1. A FINISHING MACHINE FOR FINISHING THE SURFACE OF AN UNFINISHED PART COMPRISING AN ABRADING CHAMBER PROVIDED WITH AN OPENING ADAPTED TO RECEIVE FINISHING MEDIA AND THE UNFINISHED PART, A STORAGE CHAMBER COMMUNICATING WITH SAID ABRADING CHAMBER WHEN IN A TRANSFER POSITION, SAID ABRADING CHAMBER AND SAID STORAGE CHAMBER BEING ROTATABLE AS A UNIT FROM AN ABRADING POSITION TO THE TRANSFER POSITION, TRANSFER MEANS COMMUNICATING WITH SAID STORAGE CHAMBER FOR DIRECTING FINISHING MEDIA OUT OF SAID MACHINE, AND VIBRATORY MEANS FOR IMPARTING ALTERNATING WAVES OF ENERGY TO SAID ABRADING CHAMBER WHEN IN THE ABRADING POSITION FOR MOVING FINISHING MEDIA THEREIN FOR FINISHING THE SURFACE OF THE UNFINISHED PART. 